Gales wreck Farplace Animal Rescue in Westgate

RESCUE shelter Farplace Animal Rescue is struggling to care for hundreds of animals over the festive period after gales and blizzards damaged its premises.

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RESCUE shelter Farplace Animal Rescue is struggling to care for hundreds of animals over the festive period after gales and blizzards damaged its premises.

Farplace Animal Rescue is a sanctuary helping animals across the North East, from stray cats to former battery hens.

The site, in Westgate near Stanhope, County Durham, was hit by 70mph winds and snow which caused its main barn to collapse.

The shelter’s insurance does not cover storm damage for agricultural buildings and trustees do not have the funds for renovation work. Bosses are now seeking urgent donations from the public.

Gareth Edwards, chairman of the trustees at Farplace, said: “It has come as an enormous shock to lose this valuable rescue area due to the storms, and an even bigger shock that our insurance company will not cover the damage and did not even offer this cover.

“Any help at any level would be very welcome because we are struggling to cope at the moment and we need assistance.

“We are also seeking homes for ex-battery hens to be re-homed as pets for life, and for other animals in our care.

“We can help more hens if homes are found for the ones we have in at the moment.

“If there are any builders or DIY companies who would like to donate materials or time to help us rebuild, this would also be welcome of course.”

Mr Edwards is now urging people to donate cash to help with rebuilding work needed at the shelter.

He said: “We care for a lot of animals which would otherwise suffer and we would hate to see them affected by this. Some of the animals we take in would have to be put down if we didn’t adopt them but that is something we feel is unacceptable.

“It would be wonderful if anybody felt they could help us. We are a charity and need support from animal lovers to carry on our good work.”

The shelter was hit as battering winds and blizzards struck the North East, causing transport disruption and power cuts.

Gales of up to 90mph blasted across this region causing damage to buildings and power lines.

To make a donation visit www.farplace.org.uk or send a cheque to Farplace Animal Rescue, Sidehead, Westgate, County Durham, DL13 1LE. Alternatively, pledge £5 by texting COCKEREL to 70700.